The Henderson Beadwork Collection

American Indian Beadwork

This page was researched and composed by Rachel Steinberg, '13, while she was an undergraduate volunteer in the Anthropology Department.

The majority of the items in this collection are the artistic creations of northern Plains and Great Lakes beadworkers from the 19thand early 20th centuries. As such, they represent an era characterized by tumultuous changes and cultural transitions, not just in these regions but across the continent. The variety, originality, and skill demonstrated by these objects are a testament to the complexity of Native American beadwork throughout history.

The items pictured below give an indication of the collection as a whole. Included with each image is the object’s title, description, material(s) of manufacture, and accession number. Click on any image to launch a full-size version in a new window.